When Melissa was looking for salvation, she came to me.

It was with the intention of rescuing a family that did not even want her that she came to me. However, I was not interested in monetary gain. It was not in my best interest to have her father and brother's debt paid off with blood.

My preoccupation extended much further than anything else I had ever encountered in my life.

It was swift and hot, an inferno that flattened everything around me like a trigger being pulled.

I embarrassed her, sent her away, and gave her the impression that I had no interest in her participation. That had to be the most significant lie I'd ever told. Due to the fact that I desired everything that she had to offer.

Indeed, I was the bad guy. The person who is doing wrong. And she'd be mine.